Moss Out of New U-T Lineup

The Union-Tribune's masthead today (Dec. 6) reveals moves the company is taking under Papa Doug Manchester, new owner. On Monday, Ed Moss, who had been brought in May 12, 2009 as president, was still listed as president. Today, a day later, his name is off the masthead.

The new president and chief operating officer is Mike Hodges, whose bio lists him as having "special expertise in interactive media and advertising." An internal memo thanks Moss for "downsizing the business model," and making other changes. "Ed has graciously agreed to advise [Manchester's team] as we investigate other media opportunities."

The masthead has Manchester as chairman and publisher; radio veteran John Lynch as vice chairman and chief executive; Hodges, and Jeff Light continuing as editor and Kris Viesselman, a specialist in graphics, continuing as managing editor. In its ink and paper edition, the U-T has moved to splashy graphics a la USA Today. And, of course, the U-T has already heavily emphasized the electronics side.

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NOTE: The internal memo says, "On December 9th, all employees of the Union-Tribune will gather to meet and greet at 8:30 for a hosted breakfast catered by the recently designated 5 Star Resort, the Grand Del Mar. We will share our goals and strategies at this meeting." That's Manchester's hotel.

The U-T should assign a reporter to cover and report on the breakfast meeting as if it were a real news story. This will be a test of whether the U-T is capable of covering Manchester in an unbiased manner. It might also be the first time in the Grand's history that there are more guests present at the hotel than staff. Not much demand in today's economy for hotel rooms that start at $350 per night.